According to the calculations of the U.S. Census Bureau, the post-World War II baby boomer generation is a generation born in the 20 years from 1946 to 1965, and they are entering the age of 65 who can enjoy Medicare (age 65) and receive full Social Security ( 66-67 years old). Don’t think about those rich people who are rich in wealth and have a carefree life. Ordinary working-class people have worked hard all their lives and saved some retirement savings but they are limited. How and where to live in retirement has become a big problem. question.
Unlike in the past, most people are now “displaced” all their lives. The last occupation location is not necessarily a place they like, or it is not suitable for environmental factors such as climate, geography, and humanities there. In addition, children, relatives, and friends are often not around. In this way, Where to spend the twenty years or more after retirement may be the last big decision they will make in their lives.
If personal factors are not taken into account, such as a reunion with family and friends, personal preferences, etc., the most important thing people think about is the issue of money and old age life: whether the house can be afforded, whether the property tax will be too high, the convenience of shopping and dining, etc. No, the level of local consumption tax, whether to pay income tax on social security and retirement annuities, as well as transportation, elderly care, medical conditions, inheritance tax, etc. Taking these factors into account, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) listed the 10 best places to retire late last year. I also checked federal or local government websites, supplemented some information, and added my own experience at the end.
Winchester, VA
Population: 26,000 (2010, area population 120,000)
Median home price: $151,500 (October 2011 national median home price: $212,300)
Real estate tax: 0.86% (annual tax on median-priced property: $1,303)
Consumption tax: 5% (2.5% for food, tax-free for drugs)
Social Security Golden State Tax: 0%
Retirement Annuity State Taxes: Annuities are included in taxable income, but there is an additional $12,000 income deduction over the age 65
State personal income tax: increase from 2% to 5.75% above the deduction limit
State estate tax: 0%
What $10 can do: Watch a variety of performances in the concert hall (tickets $5-$25)
Unexpected good things: visit Shenandoah National Park (Shenandoah, 35 kilometers, 0.5 hours by car)
Distance to the nearest big city: Washington, the capital (125 kilometers, 1.5 hours by car)
Distance to the nearest major international airport: Dulles Airport (code IAD, 80 km, 1-hour drive)
Clockwise from bottom left: Winchester City Hall; Old Town Block; Events in Old Town, Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre
Personal experience: I have been to Winchester at least five or six times. The city is very small, but it has a lot of history. During the Civil War, the two sides fought a tug-of-war here. “The city head changed the king’s flag” more than 70 times, but many old-street houses, churches, and schools have been preserved. If you think that the urban area is not quite enough, there are many newly developed residential areas within 5 to 10 minutes by car. In terms of food, there are many orchard farms in the surrounding area. You can pick them yourself most of the year. The farmer’s market also sells fresh vegetables and fruits, which are not comparable to those sold in the supermarket. The Shenandoah Valley is picturesque in spring, summer and autumn, and in winter there are many ski resorts for you to choose from within an hour’s drive.
Portland, ME
Population: 64,000 (2010, area population 230,000)
Median home price: $202,800
Real estate tax: 1.828% ($10,000 in real estate value is exempt; median property annual tax: $3,524; in addition, low-income seniors can enjoy tax rebates up to $1,600)
GST: 5% (tax-free for food and prescription drugs, 7% for meals and hotel accommodation)
Social Security Golden State Tax: 0%
Retirement annuity state taxes: tax-free up to $6,000
State personal income tax: increase from 2% to 8.5% above the deduction limit
State estate tax: 0%
What $10 can do: Take a day trip to Peaks Island vacation in Coney Island, Maine ($7.70 round-trip ferry)
Unexpected goodies: Enjoy a feast of raw oysters (a dozen) for $12 at J’s Oyster Ocean View Hotel
Distance to the nearest big city: Boston (170 km, 2 hours by car)
Distance to the nearest major international airport: Logan Airport (code BOS, 170 km, 2 hours by car)
Personal experience: I have not been to Portland, Maine, but I have been to many coastal towns in New England. Because it is the earliest settlement of European immigrants, and the winter is relatively long, it is still dominated by the descendants of European immigrants. Colonial-style manor houses can be seen everywhere in these small towns, some of which have been donated by descendants or transformed into art museums and museums, which are open to the public. It is an excellent choice for people who are not afraid of the cold, who like the sea and who pay attention to taste.
